2024 Buick Encore GX: Cute, But...

In order to appreciate the Buick Encore GX, you first need to drive the stylish Envista, the brand’s all-new entry-level crossover featuring a 1.2-litre triple-cylinder engine with a very modest 136 horsepower. The Encore GX is barely more potent thanks to a 1.3-litre unit that increases output to 155 horsepower, and the available AWD system partly negates that gain due to the extra 70 kg it carries.

The biggest problem with the Buick Encore GX is that it feels underpowered, though slightly less so than the Envista. And to make things worse, the tiny engine that was supposedly designed with fuel economy in mind is actually quite thirsty.  

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We spent a week with the little Buick in early spring with temperatures hovering around the freezing point. It achieved a combined 9.3 L/100 km, whereas Naturally Resources Canada rates it at 8.8 L/100 km. That’s 8 percent less efficient than a 182-horsepower Subaru Crosstrek and even 5 percent less efficient than a considerably larger and AWD-equipped Honda CR-V.

Unpleasant to the ear, the 1.3-litre engine is a rough operator and often gives the impression of running out of breath. The only bright spot with this turbocharged mill is a sweet amount of low-end torque, which pays off when driving around town. The nine-speed automatic transmission frustratingly keeps hunting for a higher gear in an attempt to lower the rev count and improve fuel economy.

Now, the Good Stuff

At this point, we’re pretty much done complaining about the Encore GX, which is 291 mm shorter than the Envista yet more spacious. Sharing many components with the Chevrolet Trailblazer, Buick’s second cheapest model will appeal to people looking for a raised driving position, decent comfort and a sense of safety behind the wheel.

Despite recent efforts by the brand to attract younger drivers, most Buick customers are still fairly old and don’t travel a lot. From that point of view, you could say the Encore GX is a perfect product. It has a premium feel, remarkable comfort levels and also good handling for short trips across the city or beyond.

In top-line Avenir trim, the cabin is surprisingly luxurious. The fully digital displays are one reason why, of course, and designers made sure to retain a few physical controls including for the HVAC system. Ergonomics are excellent, and overall the interior layout is beyond reproach. Build quality is fantastic, too, with no body noises or creaking sounds disrupting the experience.

On the road, the Encore GX feels quieter and more serene than the aforementioned Trailblazer thanks to extra noise-cancelling material. Sure, you can always hear the 1.3-litre engine working, but it’s not excessively loud. The Avenir’s large 19-inch wheels do affect ride quality, however, so you’ll probably want to turn to the lower-grade Sport Touring model for a smoother ride, which is a bit ironic. The latter is billed as the sportier alternative in the Encore GX lineup (at least in terms of styling), while the Avenir is more classic.

If you want to keep money in your pocket, the base Preferred model isn’t too shabby and boasts decent content. Incidentally, it’s the only one you can order with FWD, saving you $2,000 in the process and 1 L/100 km on average. The downside here is the awful CVT that replaces the nine-speed autobox.

How Much?

A 2024 Buick Encore GX Preferred with AWD and no options will cost you $34,475, which is a reasonable price. On the flip side, the expensive Avenir model we tested ($41,875) was anything but a bargain. Then again, it’s hard to find comparable products on the market, hence the strong demand.

For sure, you could get your hands on a roomier and more powerful crossover for about the same amount of money. The completely redesigned 2025 Chevrolet Equinox comes to mind. However, many folks still think of Buick as an upper-tier brand that carries prestige, and with pleasant road manners on top of a successful refresh for 2024, it’s easy to understand the attraction to the Encore GX, which remains by far Buick’s best-selling vehicle.